Stream: "Nanoångström" by Bast

Today I have a very special kind of stream for you. Blackened Doom Metallers, Bast, have released the follow up record, Nanoångström, on CD, LP, and Digital via Black Bow Records.

The gents from London are quite proud of having a record out on wax. Because of that, they've asked us to show you the spinning disc whilst you get a feel for the songs.

Check it out below!

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Hometown Tales With Bast

Bast

In case you're looking from blackened doom metal, you could do far worse than Bast. The Kingston, Ontario trio is on the cusp of their next release, Nanoångström, via Black Bow Records.

You can check that out HERE.

In the meantime, I'd like to get to know more about Merry Old England. So that means they use a lot of superfluous U's.

1. St. Louis City is my hometown. I've lived here for most of my life in and around the city. Where are you from?

Me (Jon) and Craig are initially from Worcestershire, where we lived until we were 18 or 19, then moved down to Kingston in South West London.

We were studying at the time, and met Gavin in a pub here, after noticing he was wearing a Neurosis tshirt. We called him ‘Neurosis Guy’ between ourselves for a while, before we were properly acquainted.

Gav is originally from South West London, but spent some years living in New Jersey before we met him.

Split LP Review: "Totems" by Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard and Slomatics

Totems

The world right now doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Perhaps you've been seeing what's happening in the United States?

Our President is a gameshow host. Literally.

It's time to take back some normalcy in our world. How can we do that?

My only option is to continue to tell you about sweet music that will rattle your bones and send shivers up and down your spine.

If we as human beings continue to seek out the normal and (just for a time) eschew the absurd, perhaps we can see what's ever so wrong in our world and begin to set things right.

Now, let's be clear, we're not going to set things right like Anakin Skywalker (a.k.a. at that time Darth Vader) did after telling his wife that everything's going to be fine. A thought occurs as I'm writing this, my intro to this album is slightly absurd.

LP Review: "The Liars Bend Low" by Pyreship

The Liars Bend Low

In November, a simple conclusion hit me, in the coming years music is going to be really great.

That's because pain breeds art.

Consider the Vietnam War Era. When we look back at those years some of the true titans of music were stalking the earth: The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and the list goes on and on.

Those days were a time of upheaval in the world. The people were at unrest.

We are not even halfway through 2017, and there have been several amazing albums. It appears the pain being caused around the world is most definitely creating amazing art.

EP Review: "Beneath" by Merchant

Beneath

Because they are on my brain, let's talk about the nachos that are presently cooking in my house. Well, slow cooking. The chicken won't be done for another five to six hours.

At the time of this writing, the Blues will be hosting the Nashville Predators for Game 1 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs...and it's hard to keep focused on anything else.

Nachos though. That's what I'm making for dinner, but not just any nachos, slow cooked barbecue chicken nachos.

I'll give you the secret. Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce and chicken breasts. Cook them in your crock pot for about 8 to 9 hours, add some extra time if they're frozen.

I add garlic powder and cracked pepper to the sauce before it starts going.

When plating, microwave the tortilla chips, sprinkle liberally with shredded cheese. Then add your meat and again add shredded cheese. Then comes the nacho cheese. My personal favorite is La Preferida in the can. Add jalapenos, sour cream, and anything else you'd like.

EP Review: "Spellcaster EP" by Witchapter

Spellcaster EP

A long time ago, I wasn't cool and had very few friends.

That was pretty much how it was for me every semester in school. Until Fourth Grade, never did I attend the same school for two consecutive years and just for a semester was pretty common.

All of that upheaval though created something in me that has served me well lo these great many years.

It's really uncertain when your friend and humble narrator grew into his own skin. Until that point, putting on airs, finding ways to fit in, and doing so were rather important to me. Yes, my friends, it was once of great importance to fit in, to make friends, and to be something other than I was.

Because, when you're constantly the new kid in school, you just want to have at least one friend out there....

LP Review: "Future Echo Returns" by Slomatics

Future Echo Returns

Picture this if you well.

On Monday evening, inside a casino bar, two friends are drinking beers, talking, and not gambling.

They had just eaten Ramen Burgers.

One of them looks up and says, "Dude, I'm totally on a doom metal kick these days."

The other, slightly older and decidedly not metal, just shakes his head and then talks about how they need to be making a podcast of just talking.

This is a true story. My friend and I ate ramen burgers, drank beer, and just talked because it had been awhile, and let me tell you, boy, Tiger Beer is still awesome. It's always Tiger Time for me!

Album Review: "The Reign of the Unblinking Eye" by The Bendal Interlude

The Reign of the Unblinking Eye

Do you know what a Loony Bin is?

Insane Asylum?

Well, these are called metal health hospitals now and they leave out anything derogatory because they should. How would you like it if you stayed at the hospital for the tragically weak of knee?

Yeah, well, I used to pass the one in St. Louis everyday. There was a smiling man who always waved to every car as they passed while he smoked a cigarette and waited for the bus.

We called him our buddy friend.

I can't tell you if he was a patient at the hospital or he was just a jolly fellow, but we always waved. It made him and my daughter smile. Just a simple thing...let's say he was a patient.

Everyday he did something to make someone smile. My daughter, though I don't pick her up anymore, still asks me about our buddy friend when we drive down the street.

Album Review: "The Tomb of All Things" by Un

The Tomb of All Things

Welcome to the world of the dying, Un.

Seattle, Washington's newest Funeral Doom Metal band is now releasing their debut album.

Another genre to talk about or to shake my fist angrily at the sky in defiance screaming we only need metal...but you know I'm  not going to do that.

In the past few years, there has been a fissure in the metal community. Until recently, metal has been focused on anger and rage. Dee Snider said as much when discussing why rap fans and metal fans don't have nearly the crossover they should.

But now, there's something else. Metal has found another negative emotion on which to base their songs. Sadness is just as powerful as the anger. Edgar Allen Poe knew this all too well....